Two investigations into Police Commissioner Richard Chambers have been launched after complaints relating to alleged conduct with women were received by Police Minister Mark Mitchell and passed on to authorities.<\/p>\n
1News understands the first complaint in November related to an alleged incident in a lift.<\/p>\n
Chambers said in a statement he strongly rejected the claims.<\/p>\n
“I will cooperate fully with the investigation and look forward to having this matter dealt with,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I acknowledge the public interest in this, but it is important the investigation takes its course. I cannot make further comment at this point.”<\/p>\n
Police Commissioner investigated over women’s complaints – Watch on TVNZ+<\/a><\/p>\n Mitchell today confirmed to 1News he referred two complaints to the Independent Police Conduct Authority and the Police National Integrity Unit on the days he received them.<\/p>\n The complaints were received by the minister in November last year and February this year, according to details released under the Official Information Act.<\/p>\n Mitchell said he was aware of the complaints and that they were being investigated but wouldn’t discuss the issue further.<\/p>\n Minister asserts ‘absolute’ confidence in Chambers<\/p>\n However, Mtichell told 1News on Thursday evening he “absolutely” had confidence in Chambers as Police Commissioner.<\/p>\n “He still holds my confidence,” Mitchell said. “I think he\u2019s an outstanding Police Commissioner, he\u2019s doing a very good job for us. <\/p>\n “Police officers attract complaints. We have the IPCA \u2013 that is the right place for that to go and they\u2019ll deal with it.”<\/p>\n ‘Proper processes’<\/p>\n Two inquiries launched after complaints relating to alleged conduct with women were received by Police Minister Mark Mitchell. (Source: 1News)<\/p>\n Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett confirmed this afternoon that complaints relating to Chambers were being investigated by the IPCA and police.<\/p>\n “These are being managed in accordance with proper processes including oversight by the IPCA. There is no further comment at this stage.”<\/p>\n Appointed after scandal<\/p>\n Chambers was appointed Police Commissioner in November 2024, replacing Andrew Coster. He was considered a frontrunner for the role and a favourite of frontline police.<\/p>\n His appointment came amid one of the most damaging scandals in the organisation’s recent history. <\/p>\n An IPCA report released in November 2025<\/a> found serious misconduct at the highest levels of police over how senior officers handled complaints against then-Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming, including allegations of sexual interaction without consent and misuse of a police credit card to further a sexual relationship. <\/p>\n McSkimming later pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material found on his work devices and was sentenced to home detention<\/a>. <\/p>\n